Difference between revisions of "War"

Latest revision as of 21:34, 15 September 2017

The sphere of war involves magic specifically for use on the battlefield, in mass combat between large units. Usually, these spells are granted by deities of war: those powers who believe that victory and courage in battle are the ultimate goals for mortals. Priests who follow these gods are sometimes generals or leaders of armies. For these priests, tactical and strategic brilliance are as important as personal skill in combat.

There are significant differences between the spheres of war and combat. Combat spells are those the priest can use in personal altercations. These spells inflict physical damage on an opponent or improve the combat abilities of the priest and several comrades. War spells, on the other hand, are concerned with aspects of large-scale battles other than direct infliction of damage: observation, identification, movement, morale, and the like. Few spells of this sphere inflict physical damage on the enemy.

The deities who preside over the sphere of war are careful when granting these spells to their priests. They will generally grant such spells only when a priest is about to enter battle. In the case of the more militant war gods, a priest who petitions for these spells inappropriately or misuses them may suffer dire consequences.

Note: The war sphere as described here originally appeared in the Tome of Magic for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons from TSR. Its use here is for the purposes of providing context for the campaign only.